STEP 1
Choose your weapons!
If fragrance is the ultimate Weapon of Mass Seduction then it certainly pays to know what kind of ordnance your dealing with! In terms of strength, parfum (like Miller Harris’ Feuilles De Tabac Eau de Parfum 50ml £52.00) is the strongest - and longest lasting - type, followed by eau de toilette (which generally lasts for around four or five hours), eau de cologne and aftershave. Because of the way they’re constructed, most fragrances also change as they mature on the skin and as different ‘notes’ (i.e. ingredients) emerge.


Most fragrances are based around ‘Top Notes’ which you smell first and dissipate after just a few minutes, ‘Heart Notes’ which last a few hours and warmer ‘Base Notes’ which can last all day. This is why it’s important not to judge a fragrance until it’s had time to develop on your skin. Bear in mind, too, that your skin’s unique chemistry can alter how a fragrance smells on you, compared to how it smells on someone else.


STEP 2
Spray to play.
The golden rule when applying any fragrance is not to go overboard. Generally speaking, two or three sprays of an eau de toilette is plenty (especially if you’re out to impress women since they have a better sense of smell that men).
And whilst the pulse points (i.e. behind your ears and on your wrists) are the traditional places to apply fragrance their elevated temperature means the fragrance disperses – and hence wears off – faster. A much better place to apply your scent is your chest where the fragrance will be trapped against your skin, dissipating at a slower rate and lasting longer.
Or, for a more subtle effect why not pinch a trick from women and spray a little eau de toilette into the air and walk into it (just don’t let anyone see you). Or try ‘layering’ – using products from a fragrance’s body line to create an all-over, long-lasting scent.

For example, you can team Aramis Classic 24 Hour Antiperspirant Spray 200ml £14.00 in conjunction with Aramis Classic Invigorating Body Shampoo 200ml £14.00 and a little Aramis Classic Aftershave 120ml £29.00 to create a dynamic, ‘three-dimensional’ scent signature. And don’t forget fragranced aftershave balms, too, when you need a more subtle scent for the daytime. You can apply them on arms, legs and your chest as well as on you face.


STEP 3
Protect your assets.
A good fragrance is as complex as any fine wine. And like wine, it needs to be stored properly. Light and heat can both affect the fragrance components as can exposure to air, so if you want your favourite scent to last, opt for a spray (to prevent air coming in contact with the liquid), keep it in its original box or in a dark place and store in a cool place that isn’t exposed to temperature fluctuations (i.e. not in the bathroom!).

  

Which fragrance is right for you?
Your fragrance might suit you but does it suit the occasion? Here’s how to make sure it’s spot on for any situation.

Ideal for work…
The last thing you want in a work environment is a strong, heady fragrance that chokes your colleagues so go for a light, fresh scent like Molton Brown Cool Eau de Toilette 50ml £35.00 or ones based around citrus notes which are molecularly lighter than other scents and ‘zing’ off the skin creating a sense of freshness. The superbly invigorating Miller Harris Citron Citron Eau de Toilette 100ml £58.00 is a perfect example, as is Clinique Happy For Men Cologne Spray 50ml £25.00.

Clinique

Perfect for play…
According to many ‘noses’ (the boffins who design scents), heavier, sweeter fragrances – especially those containing sandalwood, patchouli, vanilla and amber – tend to be viewed as more sensual by women. They also make more of an impact, which is why they’re perfect for the evening or for special occasions. So highlight your own powers of seduction with the warm and woody Zirh Ikon Eau de Toilette 75ml £35.00 or opt for the ever-popular and superbly spicy Molton Brown Black Pepper Eau de Toilette 50ml £35.00.


Great for making a statement…
Sometimes the last thing you want is to follow the crowd. So when you want to express a little individuality go for something quirky, distinct and original like Humiecki & Graef’s Askew 100ml Eau De Toilette £119.00 or the aromatic Amouage Reflection Eau De Toilette 50ml £80.00. These hard-to-find fragrances are guaranteed to get your noticed and mark you out as a fragrance connoisseur!